When God Will Not Hear Our Cry

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Author: Bill Elliff

They have turned back to the iniquities of their ancestors who refused to hear My words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers. Therefore, thus says the Lord, “Behold I am bringing disaster on them which they will not be able to escape, though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them.” Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they surely will not save them in the time of their disaster (Jeremiah 11:10-12 NASB).

God hears our prayers. This is one of the great truths of the Bible—a truth upon which we deeply rely—and, in this particular season in our nation, a truth that we desperately must understand and apply.

But is there a possibility of crying out and God not hearing and delivering? A deaf ear from the only One who can save us?

When God Turns a Deaf Ear

When the judgment of God comes, it is for the intent of our turning. It is like pain to the human body to awaken us to something we are doing that is hurting us and others. It is a call to understand our sin and humbly return to the God who made us—to live once again by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

But what if God sends His remedial judgment (judgment designed to bring us a remedy), and we will not repent? We won’t turn? We keep following after the gods of this world?

Apparently, at that moment, God will not hear and answer our prayers. This makes perfect sense. If the purpose of discipline is not heeded, the discipline must continue.

The Prayer God Hears

Humble, repentant prayers will be heard and answered. But make no mistake: The One who reigns over all will ignore proud, unrepentant prayers.

Is God calling for repentance in some area of our lives? Our church? Our community? Our nation? We cannot ignore His work and expect a response. Our disobedience to His given Word will always quench His Spirit.

God is not playing games. He does not speak to be disregarded. Do we want to be heard? Then we must listen to God’s evaluation and direction. We must have a willing heart to do what He desires and then cry out to Him. He will hear every humble, repentant cry!

Pray It In: Pray this simple prayer of David: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23-34). As God directs, confess and repent of your sin.